2015 Press Releases

The Mono County Sheriff’s Office is inviting public comments on its preliminary grant application to the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division to help manage off-highway vehicle recreation opportunities on public lands.

On the afternoon of Friday, October 16, 2015, at approximately 3:00pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a single dirt bike collision near the Chair 2 parking lot at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

There is still a voluntary evacuation notice issued for Chalfant in the areas of Sacramento Street, from Valley Road to White Mountain. Sheriff's Deputies are on scene helping escort evacuees out of the area. **IF THERE ARE ANY RESIDENTS WITHIN THE EVACUATION AREA WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, THAT WILL NEED EXTRA ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE MONO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AT (760) 932-7549 ext. 7. ** We want to ensure everyone that is going to evacuate gets out safely.

There is currently a flash flood warning in affect for the Chalfant area. Highway 6 is closed from Browns Subdivision Road to the base of Mathew Hill. Motorist are advised to use an alternate route.

Voluntary evacuation notices have been issued for the community of Chalfant in the Sacramento Street area, from Valley Road to White Mountain due to flooding. Sheriff's Deputies are on scene to assist any evacuees.

During the very early hours of Saturday, September 26, 2015, California Highway Patrol stopped a suspect on Highway 6 for a traffic violation. The suspect was identified as Jason Wolter, age 42, white male, 5’7”.

The Mono County Sheriff's Office has received numerous reports from residents throughout Mono County, specifically the Crowley Lake area, of a recent phone scam. We want to make everyone aware of the current phone scam you may experience.

The Walker Fire is 95% contained this morning. Firefighters will focus on northwest flank of the fire today to determine if there are any threats to this remote section of fireline. Fire crews will also be working on removing hazard trees and snags along roads and other public access areas.

Lee Vining, CA: Drones are becoming an increasingly popular recreational activity on forest land and throughout the country. However, drones flying near wildland fires pose a serious and immediate threat to the safety of aircraft crews involved in fire response.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at approximately 12:45pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Office Deputies assigned to the Walker Fire Incident responded to the Sawmill Campground on Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass) for a report of stolen campsite property.

Campers in the Sawmill Campground along Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass) observed a transient hiker in their camp space. A locked bear box was broken into and camping supplies were missing. The campers detained the transient hiker and contact law enforcement for assistance.

On Monday, August 17, 2015, at approximately 4:30pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Office Deputies assigned to the Walker Fire Incident responded to the Incident Command Post (ICP) in Lee Vining regarding two suspicious males claiming to be media representatives wanting to cover the fire.

Lee Vining, CA: The Tioga Pass Road between Highway 395 and the Yosemite National Park Entrance will be re-opening today at 1:00 p.m.

The road is opening without and escort. However, there will no stopping along the eastern six miles of the road. This will be strictly enforced. The fire remains active to the south of the road and this is essential for firefighter and public safety.

Bridgeport, California; Aug. 17, 2015 (10:30 a.m.) – Interagency fire crews continue to work on strengthening containment lines around the Eagle Two Fire on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest just west of Bridgeport, California. The cause of the fire was from lightning that occurred at an earlier date and had been smoldering. It is now 50 percent contained with no new growth.

The Walker Fire, located north of Walker Lake, is estimated to be 1,200 acres and with no containment at this time. The fire is being managed in unified Command with Mono County Sheriff's Office. Walker Lake is located northwest of June Lake, on the north end of the June Lake Loop.

A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice was issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations. This was a NOTICE only to let people know there could be potential evacuations. There will be a 24-hour notice should evacuations need to take place. Please be safe and be prepared! Thank you! - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer

Here is the latest official update on the #EagleTwo Fire from the U.S National Forest - Humboldt-Toiyabe near Bridgeport. Thank you to all the fire crews and first responders that continue to battle this fire. - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer

The #Eagle2 Fire in Bridgeport (Buckeye Canyon) is holding at over 100 acres. Interagency fire crews are working to contain the fire burning in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest just west of Bridgeport. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. The fire is currently burning in timber, grass and understory. The fire is one mile south of the Buckeye Campground.

The #Eagle2 Fire in Bridgeport (Buckeye Canyon) is at 100 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Buckeye Campground has been completely evacuated. Twin Lakes has been notified of potential evacuations but NO actual evacuations are in place. No structures are threatened at this time. Northern county areas can expect to see smoke. For more information, visit sierrafront.net. - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer

There is currently a fire burning at Buckeye Road (Buckeye Canyon) in Bridgeport. Buckeye Road at Hwy 395 is closed at this time. Buckeye Campground has been evacuated. A CodeRed message has also been sent to Twin Lakes residents warning of possible evacuations. There are NO mandatory evacuations at this time, just a heads up of potential evacuations.

Sharing this new information on behalf of the Kern County Sheriff's Office. Please help spread this information.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance in locating Benjamin Peter Ashley. Ashley is a person of interest in an ongoing investigation into a kidnapping which occurred on July 28, a murder which occurred on July 30, and an attempted murder of a peace officer which occurred on August 1.

There is a new local “resident” in the community of Crowley Lake. This is the mountains and bears do share our space. Due to the current drought conditions, it is anticipated that bears may be forced to seek out food other than their native diet.

On Monday, July 27, 2015, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a call regarding an injured hiker along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

A female hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail, at Lake Harriet, approximately 18 miles east of Bridgeport, called for help using a satellite phone. She had sustained an ankle injury and was unable to hike out of her current location along the trail. The Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Team was dispatched to assist.

Today, the public is used to being able to look up just about anything on the internet and that certainly includes "government" information, including law enforcement information. The Mono County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with Sun Ridge Systems, has implemented Citizen RIMS. Citizen RIMS make selected crime data available to the public. Citizen RIMS is an extension of the RIMS system, our integrated public safety system.

On the afternoon of Monday, July 20, 2015, at approximately 1:15pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call regarding an unconscious male near the Mono Village campground at Twin Lakes in Bridgeport.

On the morning of Sunday, July 5, 2015, at approximately 8:35am, the Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received a call regarding a possible assault with a firearm that occurred the previous night in the June Lake area.

California State Sheriffs’ Association Participates in 2015 California State Fair

This year, the California State Sheriffs’ Association Foundation (CSSAF) has joined with the California State Fair to offer a wonderful opportunity to support law enforcement. For every admission ticket or carnival wristband that is purchased online with CSSAF’s special promo code, $1 will benefit our organization.

In Mono County’s small corner of the Eastern Sierra, we are fortunate that natural disaster and major emergencies do not occur on a regular basis. But, as the Round Fire demonstrated to us all, we are not immune from natural disaster and emergencies.

On Sunday, May 31, 2015, at approximately 11:15am, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding an injured backpacker near Fern Lake, in Madera County, about 5 miles southwest of Devil’s Postpile.

The Mono County Sheriff's Office continues to receive reports from residents throughout Mono County of recent phone scams from the Internal Revenue Service. We want to make everyone aware of the current phone scams you may continue to experience.

Today, Thursday, May 21, 2015, the community of Bridgeport, and specifically, the Bridgeport Christian Fellowship, recognized, honored and awarded two local law enforcement officers with the award of “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”

The recipients of this prestigious award went to Deputy Wes Hoskin, of the Mono County Sheriff’s Office, and Officer Merrill Sept, of the California Highway Patrol.

You weren't wearing your seat belt. So what? You're a safe driver. You will be ok ...... right? Wrong! Beginning May 18 - May 31, 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the 2015 Click It or Ticket campaign. This campaign helps everyone understand the importance of wearing your seat belts while driving or riding in a car, this includes all passengers and your children. Law enforcement agencies everywhere will step up their seat belt enforcement to crack down on motorists not wearing their seat belts. It's the law to wear your seat belt and it will save a life!

Every May 15th, in honor of National Peace Officer Memorial Day, law enforcement agencies nationwide join hands to honor those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their life in the line of duty.

With the dry conditions and potential for a long fire season this year, local, state and federal fire agencies, along with other local first responder agencies are in full preparation mode. On Saturday, May 9th, 2015, residents and visitors to the Eastern Sierra, and specifically the Mammoth Lakes area, will notice quite a bit of fire equipment in the area as our local agencies train together in preparation for this fire season.

May is all about sunshine, warmer weather and getting out of your car and utilizing alternate modes of transportation.

Bicycling is a great way to get to work, school or out-and-about around town; get into shape; or to just get out there and have fun! Whether riding your bike, or sharing the road with a cyclist in your car, always think safety first!

In recognition of Bicycle Safety Month, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office has some tips and reminders to stay safe and share the road!

As part of the effort to bring awareness to Sexual Assault prevention and education, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Wild Iris, is asking people to break the dress code and the silence on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 and wear denim to work.

It is that time of year! Spring has fully arrived in the Eastern Sierra and you know what that means! Fishing season is upon us with opening day set for Saturday, April 25th, 2015. With the large number of fishing enthusiasts anticipated to be recreating on and off the waterways of Mono County, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind boaters, float tubers, fishermen on shore, etc. to think safety first while enjoying their fishing activities.

Beware of phone scams throughout Mono County. During the past several weeks, the Mono County Sheriff's Office has received reports from residents of Benton, Chalfant, Crowley Lake and Paradise of recent phone scams. We want to make everyone aware of the current phone scams you may experience.

With the increased construction traffic due to the clean-up of damaged properties from the Round Fire, there is growing concern for the safety of cyclists on Lower Rock Creek. As the Sheriff of Mono County, and a fellow cyclist, I am asking all cyclists to choose a different route and stay off Lower Rock Creek between the bottom of Sherwin Grade and Swall Meadows, Monday through Saturday, until the clean-up is complete.

On Saturday, March 21, 2015, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, in Hawthorne, NV, received a 911 call regarding a hiker who had broken their leg in a fall near Matterhorn Peak, approximately 15 miles southwest of Bridgeport in the Sawtooth Mountain Range.

Are you looking for part time work? We are NOW HIRING for the part time position of Court Screener! You can find an application on our website or contact us for a paper verison. We will be accepting applications until April 30, 2015. Apply today!

On the morning of Saturday, March 14, 2015, at approximately 9:00AM, Mono County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a call from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance in the search for an overdue climber.

Scott Sederstrom, age 44, of Paradise Estates, was completing a day climb in the Owen’s Gorge area on Friday, March 13th. When he didn’t arrive home that evening, he was reported overdue to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office.

We can say the weekend is almost here, right? If nothing else, it gets everyone thinking of the weekend! Are you still trying to figure out the perfect plans, especially with the weather calling for a chance of snow?

Please find the following Advisory Notice from the Mono County Health Department regarding the potential hazards in the burnt debris and ashes of those homes destroyed in the fires. We are passing this information along on behalf of the Health Department. Thank you! - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer

Cal OES has contacted representatives from the Department of Insurance, State Contractor's License Board, Franchise Tax Board, Department of Motor Vehicles, Board of Equalization, and Public Health Vital Record to be at the Crowley Lake Community Center located at 458 S. Landing Road, Crowley Lake, CA 93546 beginning tomorrow, Thursday, February 12th through Sunday, February 15th. Hours of operations will be from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Hello everyone! I've had some questions about the re-entry/re-population:

The re-population entry point is at Pine Creek Rd not Gorge Road. You will need a pass for access and entry. Personnel will designate whether you are a Swall resident or Paradise resident and place you in the appropriate escort line. There will be personnel available 24-hours for residents to gain access to an entry pass.

Please find the official press release from the U.S. Forest Service - Inyo National Forest on the most recent update on the Van Dyke Fire in Bridgeport. Thank you! - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer

This afternoon, Friday, February 6, 2014, at approximately 2:00pm, a fire started on the Mono County / Inyo County line near Paradise. Due to the extreme winds the area has been experiencing, the fire has quickly spread through Swall Meadows and is currently moving its way up canyon.

The wind is blowing and the storm is moving in! It looks like the weekend will show us some weather! The weather forecast models are showing for some rain and snow, in our high elevations. Here at the Mono County Sheriff’s Office, we want to ensure that everyone remembers some winter travel tips to keep you prepared and safe!

The Mono County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed the newest member to our team! During the official Oath of Office, performed by Sheriff Ingrid Braun, Michael Moriarty was sworn-in as the new Undersheriff.

Today, the Mono County Sheriff's Office has new leadership. Sheriff-Coroner Ingrid Braun was sworn in during the Board of Supervisors meeting as the 25th Sheriff to serve the citizens and visitors of Mono County.